USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1956 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
48
Diane Ruth, daughter of Leonard J. W. and Ruth L. (Tuttle) Franson. Robert Alan, son of Robert S. and Katherine A. (Sanders) Gates. Pamela Ann, daughter of Stephen and Joan M. (McGeoghan) Giera. Linda Louise, daughter of Philip A. and Thelma R. (Hyatt) Graham. Wayne Myron, son of Wayne A. and Anna M. (Eskelson) Grove. Thomas Charles, son of Gordon A. and Virginia (Gould) Hemenway. Virginia Elizabeth, daughter of Edward C. and Catherine F. (Leary) Hill.
Rosemary, daughter of Edward J. and Dorothy E. (Jacques) Henry. Thomas Edgelow, son of Halsey DeW. and Carol S. (Edgelow) Howe. Norman Richard, son of Lawrence and Agnes Frances (Doyle ) Hurley. Paul Brian, son of Ralph J. and Grace (Marks) Hursty.
Eric Andrew, son of George A. and Elizabeth L. (Feltis) Johnson. Ronald Lewis, son of David M. and Frances A. (Gaffney ) Kain. Lloyd Donald, son of Earl R. and Paulina .J. (Carlson) Langille. Colette Marie, daughter of Gerard and Lois M. (Draper) Laverdiere. Bradley Jerome, son of Romuald J. and Edith O. (Tydon) Mack. David Linwood, son of Horace L. and Nancy L. (Fitch) MacKenney. Frederick Michael, son of Reginald A. and Virginia (Marks) Maidment. Cynthia Louise, daughter of Raymond D. and Theresa C. (Cronin) Mail- hoit.
Cathy Ann, daughter of Raymond R. and Stella M. (Chmura) Martel. Barbara Ann, daughter of John J., Jr. and Ruth M. ( Collins) Meaney. David, son of Quincy A. S. and Katherine (Winthrop) McKean. John William, son of Donald B. and Phyllis F. (Sinton) Millson. Alan Edward, son of Charles A. and Irene M. (Brosky) Mons. Stephanie Lyn, daughter of Winson H. and Jean D. (Follansbee) Mor- rill.
Douglas Marshall, son of Richard E. and Alice R. (Epstein) Morse. Cornelius Joseph, III. son of Cornelius J., Jr. and Patricia A. (Mc- Carthy ) Murray.
David Oliver, son of Rodman A. and Mildred L. (Fimple) Nichols. Sandra Louise, daughter of Richard C. and Margaret (Pearson) Nor- wood.
Cheryl Anne, daughter of Leonard F. and Doris E. (Christopher) Pariseau.
Cynthia Anne, daughter of Ronald J. and Anne C. (LeBlanc) Pasek. Robin Ann, daughter of Robert H. and Nancy W. (Larrabee) Pearse. Kathleen Ruby, daughter of Raymond L. and Angela L. (Page) Perkins. Warren Winslow, son of Paul F., Jr. and Mary W. (McCagg) Perkins. Martha Lynn, daughter of Raymond L. and Shirley L. (Gustafson) Peterson.
Richard Jerald, son of Jack S. and Beatrice (Werner) Pond.
Barbara Ann, daughter of Robert W. and Hildegarde A. (Rumen- schneider) Poole.
John Paul, son of Paul J. and Elza (Gobzemis) Pooler.
Carol Jo, daughter of John H. and Elmira J. (Stevens) Porter. Abby Jane, daughter of George G. and Joanne (Livermore) Potter.
Sharon Elizabeth, daughter of Charles L. and Dorothy L. (Allen) Proc- tor.
49
Helen Gertrude, daughter of William H. and Mary F. (Kiely) Regan. Paul Lloyd, son of George H. and Mary G. (Walton) Ricker. Timothy Raymond, son of George F. and Edith E. (Sharples) Ropes. Caroline Sarah, daughter of Derek G. and Penelope (Hawkings) Ryan. Donna Lee, daughter of James M. and Bella D. (Stone) Schofield. Timothy, son of Horace, Jr. and Marjorie (Hopkins) Sears.
Walter Arthur, Jr., son of Walter A. and Harriet L. (Ramsdell) Sears. Bryan Rondeau, son of Donald B. and Joanne (Rondeau) Seaver.
Roberta Mae, daughter of Herbert J. and Alberta M. (Bryant) Shep- pard.
John William, Jr., son of John W. and Agnes E. (Hazard) Silva. Maurice Fremont, III, son of Maurice F., Jr. and Harriet (Bateman) Smith.
Philip Webster, son of Philip W. and Sheila M. (Scott) Smith. Donna Jean, daughter of Henry J. and Rita I. (Daly ) Stelline. Ruth, daughter of Frederick E. and Shirley E. (Sounia ) Stephens. John Glover, son of Thomas G. and Mary (Stoneman) Stevenson. Brian John, son of Eugene L. and Mary A. (Harrigan) Street.
Deborah Joyce, daughter of Harold S. and Caroline A. (Johnson) Swithers.
Gary Lewis, son of Albert L. and Shirley J. (Dupius) Taylor.
Wendy Jeanne, daughter of George L., Jr. and E. Frances (Brooks) Taylor.
Kathleen Marie, daughter of William L. and Mary C. (Doyle) Thoen. Benjamin Elliott, son of Robert E. and Priscilla J. (Amnott) Tindley. Glenn Ricker, son of Albert E. and Esther L. M. (Ricker) Towne. Yvonne Mary, daughter of Odila J. and Adele (Therrien) Trembley. Thomas William, son of Ralph J. and Doris C. (Leighton) Vitale. Scott David, son of Edwin H. and Barbara D. (Olsen) Wallick. Linda Marie, daughter of William E. and Agnes (Sargeant) Walls. Kenneth Samuel, son of Robert E. and Angela C. (Demeo) Ward. Debra Ruth, daughter of Marshall I. and Barbara H. (Jones) Wash- burn.
Deborah Lee, daughter of Alan P. and Constance M. (Googins) Water- man.
Deborah Louise, daughter of Robert E. and Carolyn E. (Cooper) Welch. John Leighton, son of John H. and Rosamond L. (Leighton) Wetson. Theodore Benjamin, son of Theodore B. and Dorothy M. (Ruth) Yasi.
50
1956 MARRIAGES RECORDED
Raymond E. Allen of Portsmouth, New Hampshire Irene H. (Pierce) Swindell of Topsfield, Massachusetts
Robert Arthur Allen of Hamilton, Massachusetts Joyce M. Wood of Hamilton, Massachusetts
David M. Ashley of Berkley, Massachusetts Sandra B. Wiggin of Hamilton, Massachusetts
John Francis Begley of Hamilton, Massachusetts Lucille LeClerc of Salem, Massachusetts
Howard L. Berlyn of Salem, Massachusetts Stacia (Lotarski) Blenkhorn of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Guy A. Bounanduci of Swampscott, Massachusetts Barbara A. Marks of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Paul R. Bubier of Hamilton, Massachusetts Dorothy (VanDine) Bragdon of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Peter L. Christopher of Ipswich, Massachusetts Alice M. Dolliver of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Millard M. Cooper of Downs, Kansas Lila M. (Poirier) Wilson of Ipswich, Massachusetts
Ronald W. Delp of Hamilton, Massachusetts Gail L. McIntire of Danvers, Massachusetts
Robert C. Henley of Hamilton, Massachusetts Janet J. Pariseau of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Carl J. Hughes of Essex, Massachusetts Mary J. Eason of Gloucester, Massachusetts
Robert Edward Jutras of Beverly, Massachusetts Norberta Marie Crowley of Beverly, Massachusetts
Patrick J. Keough of Hamilton, Massachusetts Barbara A. Condrick of East Weymouth, Massachusetts
Donald Albert Klein of Stratford, Connecticut Sandra Edith Phippen of Wenham, Massachusetts
Morris Koll of Hamilton, Massachusetts Muriel (Ogan) Fatalo of Lynn, Massachusetts
Donald Spencer Lightbody of Hamilton, Massachusetts Marjorie Louise Henley of Hamilton, Massachusetts
:
51
Edmund John Liscomb, Jr. of Hamilton, Massachusetts Josephine Scicli of Stamford, Connecticut
Arthur Gibson MacMillan of Hamilton, Massachusetts Caroline Louise Keech of Hamilton, Massachusetts
James R. MacDuffee of Medford, Massachusetts Ann M. McLean of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Robert J. McParland of Hamilton, Massachusetts Muriel J. Allen of Salem, Massachusetts
Carl F. Melin, Jr. of Salem, Massachusetts Mary F. Mullins of Hamilton, Massachusetts
James D. Miller of Hamilton, Massachusetts Alice S. Dunn of Hamilton, Massachusetts
James J. Millerick of Hamilton, Massachusetts Catherine A. Surette of Wakefield, Massachusetts
Ralph W. Mitchell of Nahant, Massachusetts Irene E. Scott of Nahant, Massachusetts
Edwin Morrow of Hamilton, Massachusetts Mary Isabella Rice of Beverly, Massachusetts
Reginald Munroe of Essex, Massachusetts Carolyn Ellen Soper of Hamilton, Massachusetts
William Francis Murphy of Hamilton, Massachusetts Mary Catherine Barrett of Wenham, Massachusetts
Donald Woodbridge Nelson of Pomfret, Connecticut Carol Marston Wade of Hamilton, Massachusetts
John A. Nielsen of Hamilton, Massachusetts Gertrude Y. Tremblay of Salem, Massachusetts
Arthur Daniel O'Brien of Peabody, Massachusetts Nancy Chittick of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Salvatore J. Pirrotta of Topsfield, Massachusetts Beverly I. Forbes of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Kenneth W. Potter of Danvers, Massachusetts Barbara C. Newlin of Hamilton, Massachusetts.
Arthur George Richard of Salem, Massachusetts Shirley Ellen Poor of Wenham, Massachusetts
Clifton Guibord Shorey of Hamilton, Massachusetts Ruth Margaret Crowell of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Eugene S. Soper of Hamilton, Massachusetts Anne M. Tarantino of Gloucester, Massachusetts
52
Alexander J. Spiridigliozzi of Ipswich, Massachusetts Dora Marks of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Robert Allan Sungy of Barberton, Ohio Clarice Anne Bertone of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Frank Leonard Tree, Jr. of Hamilton, Massachusetts Evalyn R. Wallace of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Victor E. Valcour of Danvers, Massachusetts Marilyn Grover of Hamilton, Massachusetts
John J. Wallace of Hamilton, Massachusetts Mary Laberis of Peabody, Massachusetts
Paul K. Wallace of Hamilton, Massachusetts Mary G. Valcour of Winchester, Massachusetts
Alvin Perley Whipple of Hamilton, Massachusetts Elaine Marjorie Moad of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Russell Adams Young of Manchester, New Hampshire Lucy Ann Lander of Hamilton, Massachusetts
53
1956 DEATHS RECORDED
Name
Years
Months
Days
Leona (Muscarello) Antonio
65
0
0
Charles Fanning Ayer
90
1
23
Ernest M. Barker, Jr.
59
6
7
Joseph E. Bellevue
86
2
21
Edward H. Bonelli
73
7
27
James G. Callahan
64
0
4
Edmund G. Dodd
91
6
1
Edward Lawrence Doyle
74
11
13
Jeremiah Doyle
73
0
0
Levi Dudley
70
0
0
Willard Ray Herrick
79
10
17
Virginia Elizabeth Hill
74
8
4
George Thomas Hopping
85
10
15
Mary A. (Barry) Hoy
76
0
0
Henry J. LeBlanc
58
9
0
Hugo E. Loas
67
5
5
Leota B. McDonah
85
0
3
Charles Arthur McRae
75
1
27
Hazel Case Norwood
64
3
25
Leo Pariseau
52
0
0
Jennie (Smith) Perley
82
3
16
Abby Jane Potter
12
Evelyn Purdy
40
0
0
William S. Sampson
62
0
1
Madeline (Campbell) Sanford
38
24
Fred F. Stillings
77
7
25
Fred H. Sturk
59
6
3
Alice Davidson Tilton
95
9
23
Theodore George Topping
52
11
2
Frank H. Tuck
69
0
28
Frank W. Wheeler
81
8
7
Grace A. Wood
82
6
23
Joe Wood
83
3
8
4
23
Elizabeth Holtum
54
JURY LIST FOR 1957
A. Leo Anderson, 107 School Street Philip R. Askman, 68 Plum Street George S. Cann, 49 Hamilton Avenue Douglas A. Chandler, 9 Pilgrim Road Harry F. Clarke, 19 Mill Street William R. Corning, 394 Essex Street William F. Cox, 6 Orchard Road Guy A. Crosby, Lake Drive David L. Crowell, 34 Maple Street George W. Dixon, 3 Sharon Road Arthur T. Ellison, 29 Cutler Road Brainard D. Feltis, 82 Union Street Joseph R. Gates, 68 Union Street Gordon A. Hemenway, 33 Home Street Philip Hopkins, 17 Rust Street Daniel E. Hughes, 10 Lincoln Avenue Virginia Lougee, 15 Lincoln Avenue Robert P. Marchand, 70 Cunningham Drive Touzel Mollet, 734 Highland Street James McGrath, 31 Leigh Road Thomas F. Moseley, 200 Gardner Street Alfred H. Nickerson, 110 Linden Street Julius G. Pisani, 87 Cutler Road John H. Quinn, Jr., 35 Maple Street Edward W. Seaver, 14 Garfield Avenue Roy A. Shannehan, 5 Moynihan Road Elmer H. Smith, 56 Rust Street Nataline H. Smith, 601 Bay Road Osmond R. Thissell, 363 Bridge Street Winston H. Tirrell, Lake Drive Frank Leonard Tree, 519 Bridge Street John T. Walke, 974 Bay Road Frank W. Wetherbee, 200 Asbury Street John H. Wetson, 8 Naples Road Edward L. Wheatly, Jr., Forest Street Harry E. Williams, 175 Linden Street Nellie E. Woodman, 409 Essex Street Eveline M. Young, Linden Street
55
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The Board of Water Commissioners herewith submit their twenty- first Annual Report of the Water Department.
Fluoridation of the water has been carried on for the past year in accordance with the vote of the Towns' people.
The Department laid 2,030 feet of 6" Century pipe under the Ex- tension of Mains program. 2,030 feet on Forest Street and 600 feet on Knowlton Street to replace a 2" line. 1300 feet of 6" Century pipe was purchased by Mrs. Taft and was installed on Woodbury Street. Two Hydrants were set on Forest Street for fire protection.
With 98 new house services added to our system we now have a total of 1362 services.
With the approval of the well site at the Patton Estate by the State Board of Health, we are now ready to complete our new construction program. The pipe is on the site and the contract for the laying of same has been awarded. Our Engineer has completed the plan for the new well and reservoir. With good weather we hope to have this completed before the dry weather.
We wish to thank the residents of the Town of Hamilton and all the Town Departments for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, GORDON L. THOMPSON, Chairman GEORGE A. HARRIGAN RICHARD H. SMITH
Water Commissioners
56
REPORT OF THE WATER SUPERINTENDENT
To the Board of Water Commissioners: GENTLEMEN :
I respectfully submit my yearly report as Superintendent of the Water Department for the year ending December 31, 1956. Under the extension of mains program the department has installed 1300 feet of 6" K-M pipe on Woodbury Street and one hydrant, 2030 feet of 6" pipe and two Ludlow Hydrants and gates were installed on Forest Street.
The existing 2" line on Knowlton Street was removed and replaced with six inch K-M pipe to increase the flow of water to Dodge Park for fire and domestic use.
Flouridation tests have been made daily and the results sent to the State Department of Public Health.
Water samples have been taken periodically and sent to the State laboratory for bacterial and chemical tests.
Meters have been read quarterly and repairs made where necessary. The following figures will indicate the large increase in the consump- tion of water during the year.
1955 1956
Total gallons pumped
73,398,800
Daily average
201,039
91,445,800 272,454
During the hot summer months the consumption of water exceeded our facilities therefore 71/2 million gallons had to be taken from the Town of Essex to fulfill the requirements of the town.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Water Analysis (Parts per Million) Collection October 3, 1956.
No. 416477 Bridge St. Station
No. 416478 School St. Station
Turbidity
2
0
Sediment
3
0
Color
13
0
Odor-cold
0
0
Chlorides
23.
15.
Hardness
60
162
Alkalinity-M. O. phth
64
42
pH
6.5
6.5
Iron
.25
.03
I wish to express my appreciation of the cooperation our depart- ment has received from other town departments and from all who are associated with us in our work.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Superintendent, Water Department
57
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit to you the Annual Report of the Depart- ment of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending De- cember 31, 1956.
Scales :
Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Over 10,000 lbs.
2
100 to 5,000 lbs. 1 10
Under 100 lbs.
22
3 1
Weights :
Avoirdupois
25
Apothecary
51
Volumetric Measures :
Liquid under 1 Gallon
18
Oil and Grease
5
Vehicle Tanks
5
Linear Measures : Yard Sticks
3
Reweighing Commodities
64
Peddlers :
Checked
Fish
1
Bakery
1
Both with State Licenses
Respectfully submitted,
ERVING O. MAXWELL, Sealer
58
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Park Board herein submits their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
The playground season opened June 25th and closed August 24th. Registration again went over 300, with a daily average of 100. These children were under the supervision of the following instructors: Mr. Robert McDonald, Mrs. Gerald Colwell, Miss Marjorie Ricker and Miss Janet Smerage.
Beach days were enjoyed each week, with the Canobie Lake Trip closing the season. The regular daily program included some individual and team activity for the intermediate and senior groups as well as a daily handwork period for the younger boys and girls. Special events were held each week as a means of stimulating better attendance. One of these events being an occasional picnic at the outdoor fireplace, which always proved to be a great success. We wish to thank the Mothers Club for their helpful assistance at the final picnic of the season.
The department continued the maintenance of Soldiers Green, the Manasseh Cutler Park, the Robert Walslı Park at Chebacco Lake, Patton Memorial Park and the grounds at the Elementary and High Schools. The Roosevelt Avenue Park was turned back to the town, as the depart- ment felt there was no longer any need for it with facilities now avail- able at the Manasseh Cutler Elementary School.
For the many baseball teams in town the department maintains four baseball diamonds. These, along with the various parks, are under the care and supervision of Mr. Henry Stelline, the superintendent.
With the continued growth of interest in baseball, we hope in the near future to provide some sort of bleachers at Patton Park.
The skating season again drew large crowds to Patton Park. Sixty- one days of skating were enjoyed last season. This and events like the Burning of the Greens, Jan. 6th, help to keep the Park active during the winter months.
The annual Community Service Fair was expanded into a three-day event this year and held at Patton Park during the 4th of July holiday. This proved very successful, with the facilities of the Park put to good use.
Two street lights were added to the parking lot at Patton Park last fall and took care of the lighting problem in the area.
We wish to thank all departments for the cooperation we received during the year, especially the Highway Department for their very able assistance.
Respectfully submitted, ALBERT P. LOUGEE PHILIP C. HOPKINS RAY M. SANFORD Park Commissioners
59
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit, as requested by you, my report for building permits issued for the year 1956.
I have issued a total of one hundred fifteen permits comprised of the following :
New Dwellings
60
Garages
18
Additions 30
Stables
3
Play House
1
Greenhouse
1
Poultry House
1
Relocation
1 Total (115)
At this time I wish to thank all town officials and the applicants for their hearty cooperation.
Respectfully yours, FRANK W. BUZZELL, Building Inspector
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
I herewith submit my report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Necessary patching and maintenance work was carried on through- out the year. A section of Essex Street was sealed and covered with pea-stone, under Chapter 90 Maintenance. Progress was continued on draining, grading and oiling gravel roads.
Catch basins were cleaned and guard rails repaired and painted. The sidewalk program was carried on continuing on Highland Street, and with an appropriation granted will be carried on next year.
Sanding is becoming more of a problem each year. I wish at this time to stress the need of the Town purchasing a complete unit, snow plow, sanding machine and truck as our present equipment needs re- placing.
60
The system of cooperation of labor and the lending and borrowing of equipment between all departments has proven very successful and a saving to the taxpayer.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the citizens of Hamilton and all town officials and departments, also the highway employees that have assisted me in the past year.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES F. POOLE, Highway Surveyor
REPORT OF THE CEMENTERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Cemetery Commissioners submit herewith their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Thirty interments were cared for by the Superintendent.
Sixteen Perpetual Care endowments were received.
Eight single endowed graves were sold.
Nine eight grave lots were sold.
The Cemetery Department regrets that because of other business interests Mr. Lawrence C. Foster, who served the town as one of its Cemetery Commissioners for many years, did not seek re-election.
Mr. Raymond A. Whipple, after many years as chairman of the Board, found it necessary to resign because of other duties.
We owe a great deal of thanks for the time, effort, study and plan- ning that today has made our Cemetery the best there is.
The cooperation we have received from all the town departments is greatly appreciated.
We thank our Superintendent, Philip S. Plummer, who has per- formed his duties so conscientiously.
Respectfully submitted,
LUTHER M. CAVERLY JOHN T. WALKE PAUL S. TUCKER LUTHER M. CAVERLY
Cemetery Commissioners
61
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
As Inspector of Wires, I herewith submit my report from date of my appointment, October 6 to December 31, 1956.
I have issued twenty-nine permits as follows :
New dwellings 10
New dwellings plus oil burners 2
Oil burners 8
Additions or repairs
8
Motors installed
1
Total 29
Above permits issued as follows :
Issued to licensed electricians 27
Issued to owners to do their own work 2
Total 29
Oil burner installations reported to Fire Chief-11.
Complaints of hazardous wiring conditions received and investi- gated. Total number-5.
Complaints of non-licensed persons doing electrical work in town received and under investigation. Total number-2.
Inspections made 57
Advisory calls made 6
I wish to express my appreciation for the cooperation of the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk and Chief of Fire Dept., Mr. Frank Dever of Essex County Electric Co., The Electrical Contractors and all those that have assisted me in my duties.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS M. ROBINSON, Inspector of Wires
62
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
During the year 1956 the Planning Board held regular meetings at the Town Hall at 8:00 P.M. on the first Monday of each month. The Board approved several plans for subdivisions and determined that cer- tain other plans which were presented did not require approval.
The Board recommended an amendment of the town zoning law to increase the lot areas (1) in Residence Districts A from 10,000 square feet with a frontage of 90 feet to 20,000 square feet with a frontage of 125 feet and (2) in Residence Districts B from 20,000 square feet with a frontage of 100 feet to 40,000 square feet with a frontage of 175 feet. This amendment was adopted at the Special Town Meeting held on July 16, 1956 and became effective on September 15, 1956.
The Planning Board has received the cooperation of the Selectmen, the Board of Appeals and other town officials in matters relating to the development of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. CUTLER, JR., Chairman PAUL F. PERKINS, JR., Secretary HENRY J. GOURDEAU M. KEITH LANDER FRANCIS C. MOYNIHAN
Planning Board
63
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
During the year 1956 the Board of Appeals conducted twelve public hearings, five dealing with special permits authorized by the Protective By-Law and seven concerned with variances. The properties concerned are scattered widely among the various districts of the town. All but one case were decided before the end of the year and two new cases were pending for hearing. One other request for a variance was abandoned after application was filed. In addition, members of the Board conferred with or advised property owners in nearly a dozen other cases, some of which may yet come before the Board for hearing.
Special permits were granted for a riding stable, a private green- house, conversion of a dwelling house to apartments for two families, and for soil removal in one location, in each case subject to conditions imposed by the Board for protection of the neighborhood. A permit for soil removal in another location was withheld by the Board last spring, since it appeared unlikely that the requirements set forth in the By-Law could be satisfied pending the production of engineering studies and other evidence which has not been furnished.
The proportion of variances granted to those requested was lower than for the special permits and may be expected to be even lower in the future. A variance of a few feet in the street setback line was granted and one of only two feet in the sideline setback was denied, each on the special facts of the case. A variance for a large lot with very small frontage was denied, the owner having previously sold adjoining land with excess frontage. A citizen having the right to keep a trailer as a residence was permitted to move it a short distance upon sale of the original site. Two variances were granted for business uses judged to be no more objectionable than the original business uses which, like the case of the trailer, were established and legally existing before the By-Law was adopted.
Although the decision was filed in January, 1957, the final variance case deserves mention because of the public interest in it during most of the year. Where a business had legally been carried on in a residential garage and the latter was enlarged in order to change the location of the business and probably increase its volume, a variance to make the project legal was denied and an appeal from the order of the Selectmen which brought the matter up was denied.
There appear to be a number of persons in the town who desire to commence business in residential districts. Unless the location definitely has the right to a non-conforming use, existing before adoption of the By-Law and not since abandoned, or unless it can be proved (as is un- likely ) that the character of neighborhood has changed, there seems to be little hope of success for such cases. To win a variance, a petitioner must prove hardship resulting from peculiar conditions of the lot (not merely personal hardship, however great) and that the spirit and intent
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.